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Summary:Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a fishing boat captain leading tours off a tranquil, tropical enclave called Plymouth Island. His quiet life is shattered, however, when his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) tracks him down with a desperate plea for help. She begs Dill to save her – and their young son – from her new, violent husband (JasonBaker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a fishing boat captain leading tours off a tranquil, tropical enclave called Plymouth Island. His quiet life is shattered, however, when his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) tracks him down with a desperate plea for help. She begs Dill to save her – and their young son – from her new, violent husband (Jason Clarke) by taking him out to sea on a fishing excursion, only to throw him to the sharks and leave him for dead. Karen’s appearance thrusts Dill back into a life he’d tried to forget, and as he struggles between right and wrong, his world is plunged into a new reality that may not be all that it seems.…Expand

This is perhaps the first movie I've ever seen where the plot twist went completely over everyone's head, including ALL of the critics, (even the few who actually enjoyed it.) The film red herrings the living hell out of the audience, but it's quite easy to see past with some criticalThis is perhaps the first movie I've ever seen where the plot twist went completely over everyone's head, including ALL of the critics, (even the few who actually enjoyed it.) The film red herrings the living hell out of the audience, but it's quite easy to see past with some critical thinking. Of course, it's always possible that all the symbolism and metaphor was completely coincidental, and that the internal logic of the film is entirely non-existent. But try to think a little bit deeper and you too might figure out that maybe we shouldn't take the film's "absurd plot twist" at face value...…Expand

The first half hour of the movie is definitely slow, but the around the half hour mark things get interesting. At around the hour you know there's more to this movie than meets the eye, ultimately turning into a movie that's actually quite brilliant, if it weren't for the last 5 minutesThe first half hour of the movie is definitely slow, but the around the half hour mark things get interesting. At around the hour you know there's more to this movie than meets the eye, ultimately turning into a movie that's actually quite brilliant, if it weren't for the last 5 minutes which I thought were unnecessesary, but I managed to look past that.I did thoroughly enjoy watching this movie and that's what it's all about. I'm not going to throw out any spoilers here, you have to see it for yourself and decide whether these professional critics know their stuff or are just going through the motions, all saying pretty much nothing at all. Then again, movies that are even a bit spiritual often get a red flag from a lot of critics for reasons unclear to me. I'm glad I saw this movie and plan on seeing it again.…Expand

“Serenity” deserves real interest and support. Not because it’s a perfect movie – very few are, this one certainly is not. It deserves attention for playing with genre stereotypes and nudging boundaries in a truly interesting way.

In 2013, Writer/Director Steven Knight was applauded for“Serenity” deserves real interest and support. Not because it’s a perfect movie – very few are, this one certainly is not. It deserves attention for playing with genre stereotypes and nudging boundaries in a truly interesting way.

In 2013, Writer/Director Steven Knight was applauded for “Locke.” In that film, with the exception of the opening scene, all the action takes place inside a car during a long drive to London. In “Serenity,” Knight spends the first half of the movie putting a blockbuster cast through its paces to set up a fairly conventional film noir. He then spends the remainder turning the genre inside-out, offering a bit of existential introspection (do any of us truly know anything?) and providing some thoughts about the consequences of domestic violence.

Presumably because of the film’s lofty aspirations, Knight has been able to assemble a powerhouse cast. Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a dissolute fishing boat captain, traumatized by war and seeking solace at the end of the world. Soon enough, his ex-wife (Anne Hathaway) arrives with a typically noirish proposition: if Dill will take her abusive husband (played powerfully by Jason Clarke) on a one-way fishing expedition, Dill can have the husband’s $10 million in ill-gotten gains. Diane Lane makes an odd appearance as a very-part-time love interest and neighborhood watch lady.

McConaughey’s performance, which carries the film, is a slow burn. Early on, he is portrayed as a man burying his anger, trauma, resentment and pain in booze, with all the enigmatic enthusiasm he brings to selling Lincoln Navigators. As the plot develops (thickens, curdles, insert your own verb here), McConaughey’s intensity ratchets up appropriately, to a very satisfying climax.

Busting genres is not for the faint of heart. Professional critics have generally savaged this film. In my view, they are wrong. This is a very imperfect film. Beyond Baker Dill, none of the characters are developed in a meaningful way. The existential “reveal” in the middle of the film offers an array of thematic options, none of which are pursued fully. Despite its failures, this movie deserves a thoughtful, engaged audience. These days, films waste too much time playing it safe - too many superheroes, too many mind-numbing sequels. There are too few films that, like “Serenity,” are willing to take real chances.…Expand

I'm quite surprised that Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway agreed to be part of this film. Especially McConaughey who came from a very good run since 2010 and in recent years has caught himself in extremely forgettable films despite his remarkable commitment to the roles he has beenI'm quite surprised that Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway agreed to be part of this film. Especially McConaughey who came from a very good run since 2010 and in recent years has caught himself in extremely forgettable films despite his remarkable commitment to the roles he has been playing.

This film is very strange and the script is grossly uneven and full of twists that feel ridiculous and to some extent unnecessary.In some way it has some interesting points but they don't save or redeem it and therefore it ends up being a quite forgettable film and irrelevant for all those involved.…Expand

This movie is like Plan 9 from outer space, so bad and just insane you kind of have to watch it to see how bad. It starts off like a cheap film noir crossing the old man and the sea with double indemnity and right when you think thats as mad as it can get it throws you over a cliff. NoThis movie is like Plan 9 from outer space, so bad and just insane you kind of have to watch it to see how bad. It starts off like a cheap film noir crossing the old man and the sea with double indemnity and right when you think thats as mad as it can get it throws you over a cliff. No spoiler, just watch and go insane…Expand

'In Plymouth everyone knows everything' states a minor character to Matthew McConaughey's ex war vet turned struggling fisherman. His reply of 'except what the f*** is going on', is totally apt. Given an impressive trailer, that promises a different film, and two Oscar winning stars on board'In Plymouth everyone knows everything' states a minor character to Matthew McConaughey's ex war vet turned struggling fisherman. His reply of 'except what the f*** is going on', is totally apt. Given an impressive trailer, that promises a different film, and two Oscar winning stars on board this should have at least been journeyman work. Unfortunately, it can't even be called a good bad film. It's just very bad. McConaughey is not the only one in the dark with regards to the silly and baffling plot. He, along with Anne Hathaway as a somewhat down trodden femme fatale give the worst performances of their careers egged on by the appalling screenplay. Matt mugs shamelessly and Anne is borderline hysterical throughout. One pities poor Diane Lane, usually so poised and elegant, but who here just manages to maintain a semblance of dignity by being mercifully underused. Probably the worst film you will see all year. You have been warned.…Expand